Manipulative Physiotherapy MSc (Dubai)

Start date
September
Duration
13 months (minimum) to 6 years (maximum)
Campus
Dubai
Course Type
Postgraduate, Continuing professional development, Taught
Fees

Fees TBC

This programme enables exploration of the theoretical basis of manipulative physiotherapy and its application to the development of your clinical reasoning for advanced clinical practice.

Subject to Ministry of Education Accreditation

Using the process of clinical reasoning as its framework, this programme integrates many approaches to clinical practice in this specialist area. It facilitates an evaluation of existing evidence and your clinical experiences through the exploration of the assessment and management of clinical presentations of musculoskeletal complaints.

The programme offers part-time, full-time modes of study providing you with the opportunity to tailor your learning experience to meet your personal and professional needs.

 

Why study this course?

Advance your clinical knowledge and practical skills. On completion of the Manipulative Physiotherapy Masters programme you will have the ability to:

  • Critically evaluate previous professional development and plan future development within the framework of contemporary healthcare practice. 
  • Critically analyse the theoretical and conceptual issues underpinning musculoskeletal physiotherapy and the different approaches. 
  • Use clinical reasoning skills to enable the effective management of complex clinical presentations. 

Enhance your musculoskeletal physiotherapy research and practice based evaluation. On completion of the Manipulative Physiotherapy Masters programme you will have the ability to:

  • Critically evaluate approaches and methodologies for researching theoretical and practical issues relating to clinical practice. 
  • Formulate a justifiable research design and conduct analytically an investigation to address a given problem. 
  • Produce a written report worthy of scrutiny in both academic and clinical settings.

A programme to suit you - The Manipulative Physiotherapy (Dubai) Masters programme offers you:

  • A personal tutor and dissertation supervisor. 
  • The opportunity to advance your competences in your clinical specialty. 
  • An opportunity to study at a world leading research university with a team of multi-disciplinary experts. 
  • Flexible study which can be organised around your other commitments.
  • World-renowned teaching - Drawing upon the University's world leading expertise, your learning will be facilitated by our distinguished research and teaching staff. You will benefit from contributions from experienced clinical academics, educators and researchers who will enrich your learning and development.
  • World-class facilities: You will have access to our world-class learning facilities and you will join a community of postgraduate students with shared learning opportunities between UK and Dubai. 

Modules

The modules listed on the website for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. Unless indicated otherwise, the modules listed for this programme are for students starting in 2023. On rare occasions, we may need to make unexpected changes to compulsory modules; in this event, we will contact offer holders as soon as possible to inform or consult them as appropriate.

Compulsory Modules:

  • LM Advanced Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy 1: Lower Quadrant
  • LM Advanced Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy 2: Upper Quadrant
  • LM Creating and Applying Evidence
  • LM Innovation in Professional Development
  • LM Dissertation
  • LM Continuing Professional Development and Mentored Practice

Optional modules. One module for the list below

  • LM Advanced Pedagogies
  • LM Mixed Methods Research Design
  • LM Systematic Reviews and Evidence Synthesis
  • LM Wellbeing in Education Based Settings
  • LM Work Based Continuing Professional Development

Fees

Fees TBC

There may be additional costs associated with travel to clinical placements.

How To Apply

Our Standard Requirements

  • Students must possess an undergraduate (pre-registration) physiotherapy qualification.
  • Registration as a practicing physiotherapist in the country where they are currently/have been practicing.
  • Existing registration or eligibility to register as a practising Physiotherapist with the Dubai Health Authority.
  • The physiotherapy undergraduate (pre-registration) degree should normally be a first or upper second class honours classification.
  • Documented evidence (through personal statement and employment history) of approximately 1500 hours of post registration manipulative/musculoskeletal physiotherapy skills and experience.
  • Supporting evidence of appropriate continuing professional development during this experience.

You will also need to submit the following documentation in support of your application:

  • Two academic/employer references in support of your application and professional and practical capabilities; 
  • Transcripts of your degrees so far (certified and translated in to English if appropriate). 
  • Your personal statement to detail
  • Evidence of a minimum of 1500 hours experience post qualification of using manipulative/musculoskeletal physiotherapy within a musculoskeletal context.
  • Supporting evidence of appropriate continuing professional development during this experience in musculoskeletal physiotherapy will also be required

International Students

If applying from overseas, you should also bear in mind that the process of applying for a visa can be a long and complicated one and you are therefore advised to submit your application for study as early as possible, enabling us to provide you with the offer letter that will be necessary for your visa application well ahead of the programme start date.

English language requirements 

Standard English language requirements apply (IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in any band)

  • IELTS 6.5 with no less that 6.0 in any band
  • TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 in Listening, 22 in Speaking and 21 in Writing
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE) including online: PTE Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
  • Cambridge English (exams taken from 2015): Advanced – minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component

International Requirements


As a University of Birmingham student, you will be joining the academic elite and will have the privilege of learning from world-leading experts, as well as your peers. From the outset you will be encouraged to become an independent and self-motivated learner. We want you to be challenged and will encourage you to think for yourself.

If you decide to only take one module per semester, you will only need to be at the University Dubai campus for the duration of that module and any scheduled tutorials (organised by each module leader depending on the module). You will participate in a range of teaching styles such as lectures, small group tutorials, presentations, peer group learning, self-study.

Personal tutors – You will be assigned your own personal tutor who will get to know you as you progress through your studies. They will provide academic support and advice to enable you to make the most of your time here at the University of Birmingham (Dubai).

Wellbeing Officers – Alongside your personal tutor, you will also have access to dedicated wellbeing officers who provide professional support, advice and guidance to students across a range of issues. They can meet with you to discuss extensions, disabilities, reasonable adjustments, extenuating circumstances, or talk through any problems you might be experiencing, and help you access wider support on campus and beyond if you need it

Our Academic Skills Centre helps you to become a more effective and independent learner through a range of high-quality support services. The centre offers workshops on a range of topics, such as note-taking, reading, academic writing and presentation skills.

Resources to support your studies with us

These resources and material can support some excellent preparation for your programme of study.

Research critical appraisal

https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/facilities/hsmc-kes/help-and-training/critical-appraisal.aspx

https://intranet.birmingham.ac.uk/as/libraryservices/library/asc/documents/public/pgtcriticalwriting.pdf

How to read a research paper

https://www.bmj.com/about-bmj/resources-readers/publications/how-read-paper

Academic assignments: Referencing your sources

https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/facilities/hsmc-kes/help-and-training/Referencing.aspx

Academic assignments. Essay planning

https://intranet.birmingham.ac.uk/as/libraryservices/library/asc/resources/a-short-guide-to-essay-planning-and-structure.aspx

Neuromusculoskeletal assessment and management resources (Not an exhaustive list):

  • Joy Higgs; Gail M. Jensen; Stephen Loftus; Nicole Christensen 2018. Clinical reasoning in the health professions. Elsevier, Fourth edition, ISBN 9780702065057
  • Mark A. Jones; Darren A. Rivett 2019. Clinical reasoning in musculoskeletal practice. Elsevier, Second edition. ISBN 070205979X, 9780702059797
  • Palastanga, N. and Soames, R. (2018) Anatomy and Human Movement: Structure and Function. 7th Edition. Elsevier.
  • Nicola Petty and Dionne Ryder 2017. Musculoskeletal Examination and Assessment - A Handbook for Therapists, 5th edition, Churchill Livingstone. ISBN 9780702067174, 978-0702067174
  • Karim Khan 2015. Grieve's modern musculoskeletal physiotherapy. Elsevier. Fourth edition. ISBN 9780702066504
  • Paul Brukner and Karim Khan 2019. Brukner & Khan's Clinical Sports Medicine, 5th edn, Vol 1 and 2. McGraw Medica

Contact Hours

At M-level contact hours vary significantly from week to week depending on whether you are studying full-time or part-time and the modules that you are enrolled on. These hours may include lectures, seminars, interactive discussions, and practical (hands-on). Outside of these times, staff are also available for individual meetings, feedback, and informal supervisions.

Assessment Methods

You will be assessed in a variety of ways to help you transition to a new style of learning Masters level. At the beginning of each module, you will be given information on how and when you will be assessed. Assessments methods will vary with each module and could include coursework, such as essays; group presentations, individual presentations, critical discussions (VIVA Voce), and practical assessments. You will receive feedback on each assessment within four weeks, so you can learn from each assignment as you move through your programme.

MSc physiotherapy graduates have entered advanced clinical and leadership positions. They work in hospitals, in the community as well as sports clubs and the military. An increasing number of MSc Physiotherapy graduates are working on a freelance basis. Some choose to pursue further studies in education, research or undertake further training.

Careers Service

During your studies you will have access to a wide range of dedicated support, helping you to achieve your career goals. These include:

  • Individual careers advice from the International Careers Consultant and specialist careers advisers, who will be able to answer your requests for advice and guidance
  • Apply Yourself coaching workshops and online tutorials to help you present yourself effectively to employers and recruiters and develop an effective CV
  • Practical help with preparing for interviews and attending assessment centres Access to global job opportunities online and job search webinars
  • Opportunities to network with alumni and potential employers
  • Access to a range of careers information online to help you consider your next stage after your degree and develop an individual career action plan